Do I need a test for P.A.D.?
Peripheral Arterial Disease (P.A.D.) is a serious circulatory problem in which the blood vessels that carry blood to your arms, legs, brain, or kidneys, become narrowed or clogged. It affects over 8 million Americans, most over the age or 50. It may result in leg discomfort with walking, poor healing of leg sores/ulcers, difficult to control blood pressure, or symptoms of stroke. People with P.A.D. are at significantly increased risk for stroke and heart attack.
Answer "Yes" or "No":
- Do you have foot, calf, buttock, hip or thigh discomfort (aching, Fatigue, tingling, cramping or pain) when you walk which is Relieved by rest?
- Do you experience any pain at rest in your lower leg(s) or feet?
- Do you experience any foot or toe pain that often disturbs your sleep?
- Are your toes or feet pale, discolored, or bluish?
- Do you have skin wounds or ulcers on your feet or toes that are slow to heal (8-12 weeks)?
- Has your doctor ever told you that you have diminished or absent pedal (foot) pulses?
- Have you suffered a severe injury to the leg(s) or feet?
- Do you have an infection of the leg(s) or feet that may be gangrenous (black skin tissue)
Any question that you have answered "yes" to is an indication that you should receive further examination and possibly testing to determine the status of the circulation in your feet and legs. Testing for P.A.D. is non-invasive and pain free.